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Vegetables from local food sources insufficient to meet the caloric and nutritional demands of a growing population

Given how valuable space is in New York City, the city's rooftops are strangely empty. But a proposal from the city's planning department could change that by making 1,200 acres of commercial rooftops available for urban farmers to open greenhouses across the city. City law imposes restrictions on how tall buildings are allowed to be in different areas, which is one reasons why rooftops stay empty - developers often build to the maximum height possible. The planning department's proposal would allow buildings to add rooftop greenhouses above regular height restrictions. And according to a study from the Urban Design Lab, that would mean 1,200 acres of empty, flat rooftops would be eligible for green penthouses. Besides the promise of fresh, city-grown vegetables (and fresh city-grown jobs), creating greenhouses up on these roofs has another benefit for New York. Rooftop greenhouses will be required to incorporate rainwater collection and reuse systems, which will help the city mitigate the pressure that big rainstorms puts on the sewer system.

"Tatoheads' creations start with tater tots, French fries and sweet potato fries. They're then spiced up with seasonings such as Cajun, curry, herbes de Provence, zatar and parmesan peppercorn. Patrons can add dipping sauces, such as spicy buffalo honey, horseradish ranch, curry aioli, shallot truffle and red pepper cilantro ketchup. But it doesn't end there. There's a changing menu of specials, such as the Middle Eastern fries topped with hummus, cucumber-mint sauce, Sriracha chili sauce and tomato. Fans of Italian food might choose the Frighetti and meatballs, which is a bed of fries smothered in basil marinara sauce, meatballs and cheese. Traditionalists might like their fries topped with cheese, vegetables and meat such as curried chicken or Italian beef. Tatoheads also serves classic chili cheese fries, bacon-cheese fries and soup - loaded baked potato, of course. Prices range from $3 to $7."

According to a report released last week by the AARP Foundation and the University of Kentucky, food insecurity among older Americans has increased dramatically since 2001. The study said about 10 percent of Ohioans 50 to 59 years old - the youngest of the baby boomers - are considered at risk of hunger. Mid-Ohio, whose business is up 44 percent over the past four years, aims to distribute 6 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables this harvest season, Baumgartner said. By comparison, the food bank provided 10 million pounds of produce all of last year.